Srinagar: The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) has issued a public advisory ahead of the winter season, urging people to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from respiratory, cardiovascular and neurological complications that may worsen during the colder months.
The advisory, issued in the public interest by the Department of Internal & Pulmonary Medicine, SKIMS, emphasised that viral infections tend to spread more easily during the fall and winter months, while exposure to cold weather can aggravate several chronic medical conditions, particularly asthma, COPD, cardiovascular diseases and certain neurological disorders.
The institute has advised people to stay adequately protected from the cold, maintain good hygiene, avoid unnecessary exposure to crowded places, and ensure timely vaccination against influenza and pneumonia.
According to the advisory, accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), people should wear multiple layers of clothing to retain body heat and limit exposure to outdoor air, particularly when temperatures fall below freezing. Those venturing outdoors have been advised to keep their nose and mouth covered and take adequate precautions against cold air.
SKIMS has also stressed the importance of frequent handwashing and avoiding touching the face, particularly the nose and mouth. People have been advised to stay well hydrated by drinking enough fluids and to continue indoor physical activity to support cardiovascular and lung health.
The institute urged people to take precautions against falls on icy and slippery surfaces, recommending proper footwear with good traction and walking through well-lit areas.
“Prioritise sleep and manage stress,” the advisory stated, recommending seven to nine hours of sleep every night. It noted that stress and anxiety can act as triggers for seizures in some individuals, making adequate rest and stress management particularly important during winter.
The advisory has laid special emphasis on vaccination, urging people to get vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia, stating that vaccination can reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
Patients suffering from hypertension have been advised to monitor their blood pressure regularly and continue prescribed antihypertensive medicines without interruption. Similarly, patients with chronic diseases have been asked to take their prescribed medicines regularly and strictly follow their doctors’ advice.
Asthma and COPD patients have particularly been advised to follow their action plans during exacerbations and carry a rescue inhaler if prescribed by their healthcare provider.
SKIMS has also cautioned people against smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke, while advising them not to expose themselves to cold air without adequate protection.
The advisory warned against undertaking strenuous outdoor activities during severe cold and urged people to exercise caution while using space heaters. Proper ventilation should be maintained and excessive dryness of indoor air should be avoided.
The institute has strongly advised against self-medication, particularly unnecessary use of antibiotics. It noted that viral infections are more common during the winter season and antibiotics have no role in treating viral infections. Unnecessary antibiotic consumption can contribute to antimicrobial resistance, posing a serious public health concern.
SKIMS lists warning signs requiring hospital care
The institute has urged people not to ignore worsening symptoms and to seek medical attention if the frequency of cough or breathlessness increases, or if a patient develops new-onset fever accompanied by a fall in oxygen saturation.
People have also been advised to immediately report to a hospital in case of left-sided chest pain accompanied by worsening breathlessness, as these may be warning signs of a heart attack.
Similarly, sudden weakness of an arm or leg, difficulty in speaking, facial drooping or disturbance in gait should be treated as medical emergencies as they may indicate a stroke.
Patients have also been advised to seek medical attention if their symptoms are not adequately controlled with routine medication or begin interfering with their daily activities.
Advice on home oxygen
The advisory also provides guidance regarding oxygen saturation, stating that home oxygen may be considered when oxygen saturation falls below 88 per cent as measured through a pulse oximeter, with a target saturation of 89–92 per cent as advised.
SKIMS has urged the public to remain vigilant during the winter months and take preventive measures to protect vulnerable individuals and those living with chronic respiratory, cardiovascular and neurological condition.
